Wilkinson out with shoulder facet break

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that Jonny Wilkinson has fractured a facet in his shoulder and may have suffered the injury "several weeks ago".

However, the problem is not considered too serious and the England fly-half, whose last-minute dropped goal won the World Cup, is expected back in the next two to three weeks. The fracture was shown up by a CT scan carried out today and he could well have been carrying the injury in the World Cup final.

A statement from the club said: "Following a CT scan earlier today Newcastle Falcons confirm that Jonny Wilkinson has a slight fracture of a facet and believe this may have happened several weeks ago."

Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew added: "Our medical team do not believe this is a serious problem. The fracture is stable and healing and we fully expect Jonny to be playing in the next two to three weeks."